So, as usual, I was at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center last night, in my usual seats in section 103. And as usual, we were sweating out another barnburner. The Friars have battled through six overtime games this season, with four them going to double OT. That adds up to the equivalent of over one extra double overtime game for the season and as it is, Providence only plays with six guys. Stakes were very high, as a loss would most likely shift the Friars from the NCAA tournament down to the NIT. Also, Marquette owns Providence. Owns them hard.
So, with the game tied and time ticking down, All-World Amazing Bryce Cotton took a stutter step and popped a jump shot that hit rim. Marquette’s big man Devante Gardner found the ball in his hands with mere ticks on the clock left. He turned and launched what was nearly a full court shot. And from my seats, directly behind Gardner, I knew this was trouble, because the shot looked perfect. And it was. He nailed it.
But he released it just a second too late and it was waved off. The Friars lived on. Ten minutes later, Ice Cotton iced the game with two free throws, keeping the Friars in the dance picture for at least a few more days.
It has been a wild ride this season and I don’t want it to end.
Here is a series of videos that tell the story of the evening, taken from inside the arena. Enjoy!
